Work Bench

T

Tattoo

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Jun 22, 2010
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I am thinking of building a work bench for the shop over the holidays and I am looking for some ideas.  Plans are to build something around 30x80 with a vice in the front and on 1 end and possibly incorporate a router insert into the other end some how.  Has anyone seen or build something like this?  Some ideas or pictures would be great.

TIA
Lawrence
 
A Moravian Bench is pretty close to what you are describing. There is no router insert but you could customize it to add one.
Cheers
 
If I were to start over on a new work bench, I would start with a Festool top complete with the flip down track saw track. I would add a traditional woodworking vise to one end of the Festool top on a sturdy extension the width of the Festool top and about a foot long. I would add about a 4’ extension to the other end of the Festool top that would include a Moxon vise.

The base would feature lots of drawers and storage spaces.

The whole thing would be on lockable casters so I can move the bench around.
 
I am also building a workbench. Pretty much like the one [member=15289]Birdhunter[/member] described and was wondering about moxon vise. Do i need one how would I use it and when?

This video by Paul Marcel might be of interest for you. It made me understand how useful a moxon vise is.
moxon

Note: Paul's build is for a portable moxon vise but that same hardware can be used for a fixed vise to.
 
I use mine mainly for cutting dovetails. My Moxon vise can be removed from my MFT although it's never been moved. I use it to hold just about any piece of wood I am working on. The max opening is about 3-4 inches. I built an extension for my Moxon vise that extends backward from the vise about 12", is level with the vise jaws, and is drilled with a MFT hole pattern.
 
How do you plan to use this bench? Primarily hand tools (Roubo sytle is optimal)? Power tools (MFT style is optimal)?
 
ChuckM said:
Anyone interested in turning their workbench mobile should consider one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Work-Bench-Caster-Kit-pack/dp/B00CPTFQ58https://www.rockler.com/rockler-workbench-caster-kit-4-pack
Click to expand...

If your floor isn’t level and you want to level your table wherever you park it consider leveling casters. Google Footmaster. If foot master cost too much or you floor is way out of level consider these
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...e_4?smid=A2DHH0K1B6MQCM&psc=1#customerReviews

It the cost isn’t a factor

 
The $26.99 spacecare set is even more economical. But if I understand its operation correctly, it seems you have to adjust each caster one by one to retract the pad if you want to move the workbench, and then you have to do the adjustments in reverse one by one to raise the bench back up. If the bench is by a wall, the adjustments are harder to do at the back.
 
ChuckM said:
The $26.99 spacecare set is even more economical. But if I understand its operation correctly, it seems you have to adjust each caster one by one to retract the pad if you want to move the workbench, and then you have to do the adjustments in reverse one by one to raise the bench back up. If the bench is by a wall, the adjustments are harder to do at the back.
Click to expand...

You’re right, the adjustable casters are only good if you rarely have to move the bench and/or you need to get it exactly level. The kind you posted work very quicklyand combined with pre-made shims for the specific location can be quickly leveled as well.
 
Well I finally got around to finishing the bench.  Top is solid 2.5" maple and the shelf is 1" walnut.  Vises are Veritas (front with quick release and end is a twin screw).  Casters are from amazon.... I don't remember the brand but they work very well to lift the bench and move it around at approx 200lbs.  It's been a fun project, now I am ready to use it.
 

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M.A.D. Renovations said:
Well I finally got around to finishing the bench.  Top is solid 2.5" maple and the shelf is 1" walnut.  Vises are Veritas (front with quick release and end is a twin screw).  Casters are from amazon.... I don't remember the brand but they work very well to lift the bench and move it around at approx 200lbs.  It's been a fun project, now I am ready to use it.
Click to expand...

Those castors are available from Peachtree or Rockler. I recently came across a tip to use those casters. Attach a cross bar on each side connecting the two castors, and you only need to press down the cross bar to engage two castors at the same time. In other words, two stepping downs with your foot will allow to you to move your bench.
 
Nice bench!

I use those casters as well and like them.  I use the quick release brackets so I can just move the casters to the piece I want to move.  I have them for my bench and my lathe cabinet (for now).

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Agree! the quick release brackets are great for removing and having the arm and wheel out of the way
 
Vondawg said:
Agree! the quick release brackets are great for removing and having the arm and wheel out of the way
Click to expand...

This make me think about an alternative if the wheels are getting in your way. Looking at the OP bench which is absolutely fantastic in my mind. Would it be possible to set the wheels inside the legs?
 
Yes, the castors can be installed inside the legs, but you'll have to walk to the back (instead of the sides) to reach the back castors. I mentioned about the tip of adding a crossbar to each pair of castors, and with that, you may be able to engage the castors from the front.

I have shelves mounted underneath the workbench, and so installing the castors inside isn't workable for me.
 
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